FAQ
Landlord refuses to return the rental deposit — what to do?
At the end of the lease, the landlord must return the deposit if there is no damage; refusal can be mediated by the Housing Bureau or pursued via civil (small-claims) proceedings.
Steps for a rental-deposit dispute: (1) **Preserve evidence** — keep the lease, deposit receipt, move-in/move-out condition records (photos, video), and all communications; (2) **Write to the landlord** — demand return of the deposit within a set deadline and state that you will pursue legal action if it is not returned; (3) **Mediation via the Housing Bureau** — the bureau offers a tenancy-dispute mediation service; (4) **Small Claims Tribunal** — for claims up to MOP 50,000, the procedure is simple and low-cost; (5) **Ordinary civil proceedings** — for larger sums. Articles 973–987 of the Civil Code govern leases; on expiry, if the unit is returned in good order, the landlord must return the deposit (less reasonable wear and tear and any unpaid amounts).